This is a NEW tour! Let us know when you plan to visit and we will schedule according to your availability (and ours!).
We call this the Ruta del Mezcal — the Mezcal Route Tour — because we travel along MEX 190 Pan American Highway along the Tlacolula Valley where our final destination of the day is a hidden gem, an off-the-beaten-path mezcal palenque we discovered last year. The mezcal making process is traditional, the beverage is among the best we have ever tasted, and it is priced right — far below the cost of bottles of equal superior quality produced by the big name brands. It’s our secret. You have to come with us to find out where they are! There is no signage along the route and it is tucked way back in the hills beyond the town of Santiago Matatlan, Mezcal Capital of the World.
First, we pick you up in Oaxaca at your place of lodging at 9:30 a.m. When you tell us you want to register, you let us know the name and address of where you are staying.
We make our first stop in the pottery making village of San Marcos Tlapazola where women have been making red clay pottery for hundreds of years, digging the clay in the foothills above town. They process it by hand, with sand, making a grog, drying it, and then forming it by hand into amazing vessels that are treasured souvenirs. We introduce you to the foremost pottery making cooperative of women, long-time friends, who are known for their amazing quality.
Another hidden treasure is the small dining room or comedor operated in the hills of Tlacolula where a renowned traditional cook makes the best mole we have tasted anywhere. This may be our lunch stop (although we have other favorite comedors, too). Not only does she make mole negro made with chocolate, chilies, and other spices, she brings out tastings of all of Oaxaca’s famous seven moles and you get to choose which one you want to eat. Wash it all down with a cerveza or a fresh fruit water drink. Truly a culinary experience equal to none you have ever tasted.
After lunch, we visit our dear friend Arturo, who works on a traditional back strap loom manipulated only by men in the town of San Pablo Villa de Mitla. He is dedicated to working in natural dyes. His workshop features home goods — blankets, throws, table linens, and clothing — shawls, ponchos and scarves, made from both cotton and wool, or a blend, made on the flying shuttle loom. The quality is impeccable.
And, finally, we take you for the mezcal tasting to end our day together with an a su salud — a toast to Oaxaca, with all her beauty and deliciousness.
Cost
$375 per day for one or two people. $175 per person additional. Tour fee does not include lunch or alcoholic beverages at lunch. The fee includes the mezcal tasting. You will cover the cost for lunch and beverages for all in your party, and the cost of food/beverage for your tour leader.
Schedule your dates directly with Norma Schafer. You reserve for the dates you prefer. Please send us a couple of date options. You are welcome to organize your own small group. We match your travel schedule with our availability.
This is for a full day, starting at 9:30 a.m. when we pick you up and ending at around 6 p.m. when we return you to your Oaxaca lodging. Please provide us with hotel/lodging address and phone number.
Reservations and Cancellations
We require payment in full to secure your date. We offer you two ways to pay: 1) Zelle transfer (no fees), or 2) Credit Card payment with Square (4% service fee). Please tell us which payment method you prefer and the name or phone number associated with your account. When we receive funds, we will send you confirmation and details. Be sure to send us the name and address for where you are staying.
Cancellation Policy: If you cancel ten (10) full days or more before your tour, we will refund 50% of your fee via the same method you paid. After that, there are no refunds.
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